Former Nigeria official reveals reasons behind Keshi exit

Feb 12, 2013 1:00:00 AM

The Super Eagles boss resigned just one day after winning the Africa Cup of Nations, following the alleged conduct of his superiors

Stephen Keshi quit his post as Nigeria coach because the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) booked flights home after being drawn with Cote d'Ivoire in the quarter-finals, according to a former official of the national side.

The Super Eagles boss made the stunning decision to resign on Monday, just one day after winning the Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso, citing that he was "doing the right thing".

Reports also suggested the NFF attempted to sack Keshi prior to their quarter-final clash with the Elephants and had interviewed several European candidates to take his place.

Indeed the former Mali and Togo trainer hit out at the practice of African nations employing coaches from other continents at his pre-quarter-final press conference.

And now the nation's former public relations officer, Idah Peterside, has claimed the conduct of senior officials was at the root of his decision.

“Keshi only heard the NFF had given the secretary money for return tickets before the Ivory Coast game,
after they had won the game," he wrote on Twitter.

The 51-year-old coach told Goal.com before the final that he would "pack his bags and leave" if he felt he was not wanted.

But after going through with his threat the tale has taken another twist, with Nigeria sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi claiming NFF president Aminu Maigari had not received a letter of resignation.

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